Client and Environmental Correlates of Patient Attrition from an Inpatient Alcoholism Treatment Center

Abstract

Most alcoholism researchers have been interested in factors associated with posttreatment success, while directing little attention to the variables related to premature termination from alcoholism treatment programs. This research explores the effects of sociodemographic, drinking history, and environmental support factors on premature termination. Overall, the environmental support factors were more useful in explaining those who dropout or complete treatment. In contrast to past research, the primary group did not provide a positive force in continuation. On the contrary, those patients who lacked such support were more likely to complete treatment. The research findings illustrate the importance of including diverse sets of variables in future research examining premature termination of treatment.